EnglishLatest Sports News – NBA, PBA NFL, WNBA, Premier League & More.
Stay updated with the latest sports news from TigerSport. Get real-time updates, expert analysis, player insights, and breaking headlines across football, basketball, and more.
TOPBaron Davis addresses 'the only reason' the New York Knicks lost to the Pacers, failure around one player
The New York Knicks unexpectedly lost to the Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals despite entering as favorites, resulting in head coach Tom Thibodeau's firing. Mike Brown was named as his replacement for the upcoming season. Former NBA player Baron Davis disputed that Thibodeau's tactics caused the defeat. Instead, Davis attributed the loss to the Pacers' defensive strategy that targeted Jalen Brunson—who averaged 30.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the series—by using half-court pressure to limit his space. Davis explained on Podcast P that Indiana turned the half-court into an "extra defender," forcing Brunson into cramped pick-and-roll situations despite the court's size. Davis emphasized that Brunson lacked backcourt support, stating, "Nobody on the Knicks outside of Jalen Brunson could bring the ball up." This allowed the Pacers to induce turnovers (Brunson averaged 4.0 per game) and disrupt New York's offensive flow. The pressure forced extended possessions where Brunson "dribbled all shot clock," denying him opportunities to pass or create separation. The isolation-heavy offense also impacted teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns, who faced constant one-on-one matchups. Davis concluded that Brunson's unsustainable workload as the "lone warrior"—compounded by turnovers and defensive traps—directly caused the Knicks' elimination.
Views 4833Likes 2154
TOPQ&A: Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Opens Up On Finals Run, Offseason
The Indiana Pacers experienced a condensed offseason following their appearance in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Rick Carlisle noted that the NBA Draft began just three days later, and free agency followed less than a week after that, leaving little time for the team to decompress after their deep playoff run. Carlisle described the quick turnaround as normal for the NBA and expressed pride in the team's effort, calling it a "great year" and a "great run" despite the disappointing Finals outcome. The 2024-25 postseason validated the Pacers' earlier progress, elevating them to top contenders after skeptics questioned their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Built on depth and speed, the team challenged traditional playoff expectations and came within one game of winning the championship, with Carlisle highlighting their underdog status and inspiring competitiveness. However, the Pacers now face significant roster challenges for the 2025-26 season, as star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire campaign due to a torn Achilles, and starting center Myles Turner has departed for the Milwaukee Bucks. Carlisle acknowledged that the team must navigate these changes, with plans to reassess their direction for the next two seasons until Haliburton's expected return in 2026-27. During a Q&A session at a summer league game in Las Vegas, Carlisle addressed the team's future, stating that the Pacers' playoff performance was motivating to fans and that the team "will be fine" despite Turner's exit. He praised Turner as a "stretch big who can protect the rim" and noted the Pacers have multiple options at center, including Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley.
Views 3463Likes 2235
Thunder spend big — but smart — with eye-watering contract extensions
The Oklahoma City Thunder have committed $822 million to secure their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams through the end of the decade. These extensions, finalized within three days, solidify the team's foundation for sustained success after winning the NBA championship. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the franchise MVP and All-NBA first teamer, signed a four-year, $285 million extension. Chet Holmgren, still on his rookie contract, agreed to a five-year, $250 million extension. Jalen Williams, fresh off a breakout season, signed a five-year max rookie extension potentially worth up to $287 million. Williams, the 12th pick in the 2022 draft, had a standout year, earning All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive honors. He averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. In the playoffs, he scored 1,180 points alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, the fourth-highest playoff duo in NBA history. Williams also joined an elite group of players with at least 1,400 points and 100 steals last season. Despite this significant spending, the Thunder remain below the NBA's punitive second tax apron and even under the luxury tax threshold. They became just the fifth team since 2007 to win a title without paying the luxury tax. This is credited to GM Sam Presti's management, as the Thunder won the championship as the fourth-youngest team in the league with the 25th-ranked payroll. While rivals might hope ownership's historical reluctance to pay the tax or new CBA rules (like the second apron) could force roster changes, Presti's long-term planning and savvy cap management position the Thunder uniquely. They can keep their stars and avoid the second apron for at least the next three seasons if they choose. This situation highlights how championships are also won through front-office strategy. The Thunder are not guaranteed another championship, but securing their Big Three gives them every advantage to pursue one, including the potential for back-to-back titles.
Views 4556Likes 4542
Is Cooper Flagg under more pressure than LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama were in their rookie seasons?
Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, faces unprecedented rookie pressure exceeding even LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama's debuts. Hailed as the nation's top high school player two years ago, Flagg starred at Duke—winning a major college award and nearly securing a national championship—while showcasing elite scoring and multifaceted impact on the court. Unlike typical top picks who join struggling franchises with low expectations, Flagg enters an unexpectedly competitive Mavericks environment. Dallas won 39 games last season, narrowly missed playoffs, and reached the NBA Finals just two years prior. Their draft lottery win came with a mere 1.8% probability, defying rebuilding norms for a No. 1 selection. The pressure intensifies due to Dallas' bold offseason moves: trading 26-year-old superstar Luka Dončić after his Finals run and acquiring Anthony Davis to pair with Kyrie Irving (who will miss early games with injury). The organization expects immediate contention in 2025-26, planning to deploy Flagg as a primary ball handler without typical rookie-leeway for development struggles. Flagg carries the implicit burden of replacing Dončić as the franchise cornerstone, amplified by comparisons to James and Wembanyama—who delivered All-Star-caliber rookie stats. At 19, he must help win games instantly while evolving into the team's new face, a challenge unmatched by predecessors who joined clearly rebuilding rosters.
Views 5474Likes 4113
Hawks Must Sign Veteran 3-and-D Specialist for Final Roster Spot
The Atlanta Hawks' 2025-26 roster is developing during the NBA offseason, featuring new additions like Kristaps Porzingis and rookie Asa Newell under head coach Quin Snyder. Despite improvements from last year, the team currently has only 13 players on standard contracts, leaving room for two veteran signings to strengthen the squad. De'Anthony Melton is proposed as a low-risk, high-reward free agent target. Recovering from a partially torn ACL that limited him to six games last season, Melton seeks an affordable "prove-yourself" deal. When healthy, he provides valuable 3-and-D skills, averaging 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 threes per game at 36.9% accuracy across 356 career games, with 27 playoff appearances. Despite injury concerns, Melton showed promise in limited 2024 action, posting 10.3 points with efficient shooting (40.7% FG, 37.1% 3PT) in just 20 minutes per game. His defensive capabilities could complement Trae Young by allowing backcourt risks and building on Nickeil Alexander-Walker's defensive upgrade. The potential signing presents minimal risk—a veteran minimum contract wouldn't burden the Hawks if unsuccessful. However, if Melton regains pre-injury form, he could significantly boost Atlanta's Eastern Conference competitiveness. This upside makes him an ideal candidate for the Hawks' final roster spot.
Views 4552Likes 1539
The year of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Kentucky player, has been announced as the primary cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, following his exceptional year in the NBA. This decision highlights the prominence of Kentucky alumni, as 14 former Wildcats are participating in the NBA Summer League. Gilgeous-Alexander's achievements include winning the season scoring title, MVP award, NBA Championship, and Finals MVP, along with signing a record-breaking $285 million contract extension and debuting his first signature shoe. These accomplishments solidify his status as a top NBA superstar in 2025, making him a fitting choice for the game's cover. The NBA 2K26 release will feature three editions: the Standard Edition with Gilgeous-Alexander, the Superstar Edition with Carmelo Anthony, and the WNBA Edition with female star Angel Reese. Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the third former Kentucky player to grace the NBA 2K cover, marking the fourth overall instance for a Wildcat. Anthony Davis appeared on the covers of NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K20, while Devin Booker was featured on NBA 2K23. Additionally, 2K and EA Sports are developing a college basketball game, but it is not expected to be released until 2028, meaning fans will have to rely on NBA games like NBA 2K26 to play with former Kentucky players in the interim.
Views 5700Likes 4481
76ers got the change Daryl Morey wanted, but their grace period is over
Despite a challenging season marked by injuries to franchise players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, a near-bottom conference finish, and drama, the Philadelphia 76ers organization, led by executive Daryl Morey, maintained a strong belief throughout February and March that they could turn things around quickly. While acknowledging the difficulty of rebounding, Morey now asserts that the Eastern Conference is unexpectedly wide open heading into the next season, presenting a unique opportunity for a bounce-back year. Morey elaborated in an interview at the Las Vegas Summer League, stating the East's openness is partly due to significant injuries affecting other teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. He emphasized that while the Sixers feel they can compete with the top teams if everything comes together, they must prove it on the court. The team has also maintained roster flexibility to make upgrades during the season. The health of Joel Embiid remains paramount. After a knee injury suffered over a year ago derailed much of last season, Morey reports Embiid is "on track" to be healthy for training camp, preseason, and the regular season opener. However, league sources indicate Embiid has only resumed partial basketball activities and not yet returned to full on-court work, though the front office remains optimistic. Philadelphia's championship hopes depend heavily on Embiid's health. However, the current roster might be better equipped to handle a potential regular-season absence than in previous years. A backcourt led by Tyrese Maxey, potentially including restricted free agent Quentin Grimes (whom Morey expects to re-sign), could be one of the league's deepest and most dynamic, capable of creating offense even without Embiid. Roster construction for the summer is largely complete, barring an unexpected trade or the Grimes signing. Morey focused on making the team younger and more athletic. He used the No. 3 draft pick on Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe to support this goal, though Edgecombe suffered a left thumb sprain in Summer League. Veteran re-signings included Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon, while Andre Drummond exercised his player option. Morey also prioritized improving the roster's margins. Building this roster required difficult decisions, primarily the choice between trying to retain Quentin Grimes or Guerschon Yabusele, who was a valuable bench contributor last season playing both power forward and center. Financial constraints ultimately made it impossible to keep both players.
Views 4847Likes 4728
Kendrick Perkins blasts ‘snake’ GM who cost him NBA title
Kendrick Perkins expressed deep resentment towards former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps during a podcast appearance, blaming him for a failed trade that Perkins believes cost him an NBA championship and prematurely ended his career. Perkins recounted being a veteran backup on the struggling Pelicans during the 2015-16 season, mentoring players like Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. At that season's trade deadline, Perkins revealed he had significant interest from contending teams: LeBron James personally told him the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted him, and Kevin Durant informed him the Oklahoma City Thunder also sought to acquire him. Both teams reportedly offered deals, with Cleveland even proposing a second-round pick. Perkins emphasized either team could have provided a championship opportunity, as Cleveland won the title that year after a historic comeback, while OKC reached the Conference Finals. Despite this interest, Perkins stated Demps explicitly assured him he wouldn't be traded, promising Perkins a two-year contract extension and retirement as a Pelican. Demps claimed the team valued his locker room presence. Trusting this promise, Perkins declined a veteran-minimum offer from his hometown Houston Rockets, who wanted him to play alongside James Harden. Perkins was shocked when, nearly a season later, Demps contacted him (only after Perkins reached out first) to inform him the team had changed direction and wouldn't re-sign him, prioritizing younger players. Perkins reacted furiously, cursing Demps out on the phone. This left him with no viable options for the next season, effectively ending his NBA career. He believes Demps "played a huge part" in shortening his career by 1-2 years, preventing him from contributing as a bench veteran, and directly costing him a potential championship ring. Perkins labeled Demps a "liar" and a "snake," stating he despises him and witnessed Demps avoiding eye contact during a later encounter in Minnesota.
Views 4000Likes 3985
Surprise West Team Linked to Damian Lillard in Free Agency: Report
Despite many top NBA free agents already being signed, several solid players remain available, including star point guard Damian Lillard. The Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly waived Lillard earlier this summer to facilitate signing Myles Turner, a move that shocked the league. Although Lillard is expected to miss most or all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in last season's playoffs, he remains one of the premier free agents on the market. Multiple teams have shown interest in Lillard, including his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. However, a new unexpected Western Conference contender—the Golden State Warriors—has emerged as a potential destination. According to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors are among the teams atop Lillard’s list of preferences, partly due to his Oakland roots. While the pairing raises questions about his fit alongside Stephen Curry, it presents intriguing possibilities. Should Lillard join Golden State, a backcourt partnership with Curry would form one of the NBA’s most potent offensive duos upon his return from injury. The 34-year-old is coming off a strong season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.02 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
Views 3727Likes 3226
Liberty get promising Jonquel Jones injury update with fellow stars back to face Dream
The New York Liberty received positive injury updates ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream. Natasha Cloud (hip) and Isabelle Harrison (knee), who each missed one game, practiced fully on Saturday and are expected to play on Sunday. Significantly, 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones participated in five-on-five practice for the first time since re-injuring her right ankle on June 19. Head coach Sandy Brondello noted Jones's immediate positive impact on the team but emphasized the need to build her stamina before returning to game action. Jones originally suffered the ankle sprain and re-injured it during her second game back last month while landing awkwardly after a layup attempt, leading to an estimated 4-6 week recovery. Her absence has impacted the Liberty's defense around the paint and removed a consistent inside-outside scoring threat, as she was averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds prior to the injury. Jones is taking a cautious approach to her recovery, aiming to be as close to 100% as possible. Her rehabilitation progressed from individual shots and bike work to the five-on-five session on Saturday. Brondello stressed the importance of Cloud (averaging 10.1 points, 6.2 assists) and Harrison (a key bench piece in Jones's absence) returning for the physical matchup against Atlanta, citing the need for depth and different defensive looks. She also noted the team's defense has been "getting better," improving to the league's 5th-best defensive rating in early July after ranking 7th in June.
Views 3625Likes 3089
Lakers Make History With Female Head Coach
The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant trade during the 2024-25 season to acquire Luka Doncic and pair him with LeBron James, which was the biggest news of that season. Now, the Lakers are making history again through their coaching staff. Head coach JJ Redick enters his second year with goals for the 2025-26 season after a disappointing previous run. Assistant coach Lindsey Harding is playing an extra important role this summer. Lindsey Harding is making history as only the second female ever to serve as head coach at the NBA Summer League, following Becky Hammon. Harding, currently an assistant for the Lakers, previously helped lead the G League's Stockton Kings to a No. 1 seed in the 2023-24 Western Conference Finals. She also made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman hired as an assistant coach by the Lakers and is the first woman in G League history to win Coach of the Year. Social media reactions to the news highlighted support for Harding, with comments praising her playing career, expressing hope she becomes the first female NBA head coach someday, and emphasizing the importance of representation. When the Lakers hired Harding, head coach JJ Redick discussed his holistic vision for player development. He emphasized that it extends beyond basketball mechanics (ball handling, shooting, passing) to include tactical understanding, film study, analytics, nutrition, physical conditioning, and crucially, mental development. He plans to hire a director of player development who aligns with this vision. The article concludes by stating Harding is contributing to developing the Lakers into a winning franchise.
Views 5448Likes 5432
How Wildcats' Mathurin Played Key Role in Pacers' Finals Run
Former Arizona Wildcats shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder during a March game against the Dallas Mavericks, requiring season-ending surgery in 2024. During his two seasons at Arizona (2020-2022), Mathurin was a significant scorer, averaging 14.8 points on 45% shooting in 29.4 minutes per game. He played a key role in Arizona reaching the 2022 Sweet 16, where they lost to Houston. Notably, he scored 30 points in 41 minutes during an overtime win against TCU in the second round. Mathurin returned to play most of the following season, proving effective off the bench for the Indiana Pacers, who reached the 2025 NBA Finals. In the Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder (which the Pacers lost in seven games), he averaged 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 assists. His best performance was a 27-point outing on 9-12 shooting in just 22 minutes during a Game 3 win, earning praise from Coach Rick Carlisle. Overall in the regular season, Mathurin averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.6 steals in 78 games, similar to his rookie year stats of 16.1 points in 72 games (49 starts). He missed the 2023-2024 playoffs due to the shoulder injury, watching as the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Boston. Mathurin found it difficult to spectate but acknowledged the team's significant improvement from 25 wins to a Conference Finals appearance as a "blessing" to witness early in his career. Mathurin is now entering the final year of his 4-year rookie contract for the 2025-2026 season, with no news yet on a potential extension from the Pacers.
Views 5186Likes 3111
Quenton Jackson Inks Two-Way Deal With Pacers, Immediately Shows Value
Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson has signed his fourth NBA two-way contract, returning to the Pacers for the third consecutive season during the 2025-26 offseason. The Pacers announced the signing earlier this week. Jackson, who received a qualifying offer and was a restricted free agent, spent the entire 2024-25 season on a two-way deal with Indiana. Due to early-season injuries on the team, Jackson became a significant rotation player, appearing in 28 games and starting seven times. He averaged 5.8 points and 1.9 assists per game, scoring in double figures six times. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised Jackson's intensity, combative defense, rim attacking, and hard-playing style, emphasizing how Jackson plays within the system. Former Pacers center Myles Turner also commended Jackson's passion, energy, and work ethic in making a difference and working his way up. Jackson often took on challenging defensive assignments, holding up well due to his foot speed and fiery nature. The Pacers went 3-4 in his starts last season. The Pacers re-signed Jackson based on his valuable contributions, noting this is his final season of two-way eligibility, making it a one-year contract. Shortly after signing, Jackson demonstrated his value in summer league play against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the Pacers trailing significantly, Jackson led a comeback in the third quarter. In just 5 minutes and 26 seconds, he scored 12 points, added an assist, and recorded a steal, including a dunk, free throw, three-pointer, and two more finishes at the rim. This surge helped the Pacers cut a 13-point halftime deficit to just two points by the end of the third quarter. Jackson attributed the turnaround to increased intensity and matching the opponent's energy after halftime.
Views 5697Likes 5683
Pacers Sign Rookie Kam Jones To Unique Four-Year Standard Contract
Kam Jones has signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers acquired Jones through a draft trade with the San Antonio Spurs after selecting him 38th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Indiana targeted an early second-round pick due to lacking a first-round selection after a mid-June trade and seeking cost-effective roster contributors. Jones played four collegiate seasons at Marquette, demonstrating versatility by alternating between on-ball and off-ball guard roles. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard praised Jones' work ethic and positional flexibility, noting similarities in personality to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Currently practicing with the Pacers ahead of summer league play, Jones will share significant ball-handling responsibilities with returning players RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson. His experience playing alongside NBA-caliber creators like New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek at Marquette prepared him for both off-ball and primary creator roles, with three-point shooting being a particular strength during those seasons. Summer league coach Isaac Yacob highlighted the value of Jones' adaptability, stating it "adds a layer to his game and to the team." Jones himself emphasized how his point guard experience expanded his skill set, making him comfortable in multiple backcourt positions. The Pacers signed Jones to a standard contract using the second-round pick exception. The deal guarantees just under $1.3 million in the first season at the NBA rookie minimum, with the second year at the lowest possible base salary. The third and fourth seasons carry standard values under the exception structure.
Views 4820Likes 3769
Anonymous Executives Have No Faith in Pacers Repeating as East Champs in 2025
The Indiana Pacers achieved a surprising run to the NBA Finals this season, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs despite low external expectations. However, anonymous NBA executives, as reported by ESPN, have no faith in the Pacers repeating as Eastern Conference champions next year. In fact, none of the executives even mentioned Indiana as a contender for the East title. The primary reason cited is Tyrese Haliburton's devastating Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the Finals, which has already ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 season. Executives believe the Pacers cannot replicate Haliburton's unique playmaking and offensive tempo, making their offense more predictable without him. Myles Turner's departure after ten seasons with the Pacers is another major factor. The team loses their starting center and, crucially, his high volume of three-point shooting (5.5 attempts per game last season), which was a key element of their unpredictable offense. Finding a comparable replacement, especially a "stretch five," is seen as difficult with current roster options like Jay Huff. Despite these significant losses and the executives' lack of confidence, the Pacers organization, led by Kevin Pritchard, is accustomed to being underestimated and still believes they can compete.
Views 5011Likes 4373
Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Pairs LeBron James With Victor Wembanyama
LeBron James, after 22 NBA seasons, is at a career crossroads despite having four championships and MVP awards each. While not ready to retire, his future with the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain as he monitors the team's offseason moves to determine if they can support another championship run. If James decides to leave the Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs emerge as a potential destination. Though San Antonio is building around 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama, acquiring James could accelerate their championship timeline. Bleacher Report proposed a trade sending James to the Spurs in exchange for Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and a 2027 first-round pick from Atlanta. This deal poses risks for the Spurs, who would surrender two young talents (Johnson and Sochan) for what would likely be a one-year rental of the 40-year-old superstar. While San Antonio has sufficient assets to absorb the long-term impact, pairing James with Wembanyama remains a high-stakes gamble. Conversely, the Lakers would receive a respectable return package, though analysts suggest they might command better offers elsewhere.
Views 5515Likes 3804
Recasting Watchmen: Ralph, Javier, Cameron and Demi, You Shoulda Done It!
The Watchmen film adaptation has received mixed reviews, with fans enthusiastic but critics largely unimpressed. While director Zack Snyder is acknowledged for faithfully recreating Alan Moore's graphic novel, significant criticism is directed at the casting choices. Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl II and Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach are praised as ideal casting. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is defended as The Comedian over Robert Downey Jr., deemed "too nice" for the role. However, the remainder of the cast is criticized. The author proposes recasting several roles: Demi Moore instead of Carla Gugino as Silk Spectre I, citing Moore's seniority and acting quality. For Silk Spectre II, Cameron Diaz is suggested to replace Malin Akerman (a Diaz look-alike), with Maggie Grace proposed for younger flashback scenes. Billy Crudup is criticized as Dr. Manhattan for lacking the necessary laconic, soulless quality. Javier Bardem is recommended instead, highlighting his resonant baritone from "No Country for Old Men" as fitting for the character. Matthew Goode is deemed too young and unconvincing as the supremely intelligent Ozymandias. Ralph Fiennes is proposed as a replacement, praised for his acting caliber and ability to handle extensive exposition while embodying the character's affected boredom.
Views 4920Likes 698
Maple Leafs announcer Joe Bowen calls out fans for ‘very disappointing’ crowd
Toronto Maple Leafs radio announcer Joe Bowen publicly criticized the team's fanbase for a "very disappointing" lack of energy during their Game 3 Stanley Cup Playoffs loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. Bowen took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, stating the crowd was "VERY DISAPPOINTING" and emphasizing that fans should be "PRO ACTIVE" in giving energy to the team rather than waiting to be reactive. While acknowledging Bowen's point about the unusually quiet playoff atmosphere resembling a "library," the report highlights a significant caveat omitted from his critique: extremely high ticket prices. Multiple sources, including reactions to Bowen's comments and a journalist's tweet, pointed out that seats cost $427 per person for the game. This price point was deemed "ridiculous" and identified as a key factor pricing out the average fan, especially for a non-elimination game. The article contrasts the playoff atmosphere with the Leafs' regular season attendance, noting the team filled Scotiabank Arena to 99.8% capacity (18,789 fans on average out of 18,819 seats) across 41 home games in 2023-24. It argues that the "very disappointing" playoff crowd energy stems primarily from prohibitive ticket prices, not a lack of fan support in general, suggesting Bowen's criticism failed to acknowledge this economic barrier preventing fans from filling the arena vocally.
Views 5872Likes 4970
FEU coach Nash Racela says Fil-Kiwi rookie Joseph Nunag has potential to be next Mike Tolomia
Far Eastern University (FEU) coach Nash Racela expressed high expectations for Filipino-New Zealander recruit Joseph Nunag, comparing the 19-year-old guard to former FEU star Mike Tolomia. Racela highlighted similarities in Nunag's attacking style and finishing ability, stating, "We see him as a future Tolomia," referencing the Season 78 UAAP champion. Upon learning of the comparison, Nunag expressed surprise but welcomed the aspiration, saying he aims to reach that caliber of play eventually. Standing at 5-foot-11, Nunag joined FEU's Team B in June after attending Rangitoto College in New Zealand. Racela tempered expectations, noting Nunag requires development time due to his youth and limited experience: "He is very young... They are really young kids who have really good potential." Nunag relocated to the Philippines after failing to secure US college offers, seeking to build his basketball career at FEU. Nunag praised Racela's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the team-oriented culture over individual stardom. However, he acknowledged the challenge of replacing six departing UAAP-eligible stars, viewing it as an opportunity rather than pressure: "It gives me a chance to step in, improve, and work on things I’m missing." He hopes the Filoil tournament will accelerate team growth to fill the void left by FEU's former core players.
Views 4476Likes 4450
Heat gift Bucks perfect Damian Lillard replacement to make them a playoff lock
The Miami Heat's withdrawal from trade discussions for Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has created a significant opportunity for the Milwaukee Bucks. According to NBA insiders, exploratory talks between Miami and Phoenix collapsed, removing the Bucks' primary competitor for Beal's services. Multiple reports indicate the Suns are nearing a waiver-and-stretch buyout agreement with Beal, positioning Milwaukee to potentially acquire him as an ideal replacement for Damian Lillard. Despite recent performance declines, Beal averaged 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds this season and brings playoff experience that could fill Lillard's role without requiring major system changes. Beal's skills align well with Milwaukee's needs: his 38.6% three-point shooting complements Giannis Antetokounmpo's drives, while his secondary playmaking addresses the Bucks' point guard deficiency. His proven ability to coexist with ball-dominant stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant further enhances the fit. The timing favors Milwaukee, as Beal is two years younger than Lillard with fewer recent games missed. His finesse-based playing style projects better long-term durability for the aging Bucks core. Crucially, his playoff track record—22.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 49 career postseason games—offers the clutch production needed during Giannis' prime. Risks remain, including Beal's age (32) and poor percentile rankings in offensive (19th) and defensive (32nd) metrics this season. However, Milwaukee's history of championship-driven risks suggests they may pursue him, banking on their defensive structure maximizing his strengths.
Views 5859Likes 3394
Unbeaten La Salle outguns UST to clinch top spot in UAAP group of FilOil Preseason Cup
The DLSU Green Archers maintained their unbeaten streak in the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup by defeating the UST Growling Tigers 94-86 on July 9 at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. This victory secured DLSU's top position in the UAAP group with a perfect 6-0 record, while UST dropped to 4-2. The game intensified late in the third quarter when Jacob Cortez received a hard foul from Gelo Crisostomo, resulting in technical fouls against DLSU's Mike Phillips and UST's Peter Osang for second motions. This incident fueled DLSU's momentum, allowing them to expand a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter into an 85-73 advantage. UST's Leland Estacio and Mur Alao narrowed the gap to 86-90 with consecutive three-pointers, but DLSU maintained composure. Mason Amos secured the win with a decisive basket. Amos and Kean Baclaan led DLSU with 18 points each, supported by Phillips (14 points) and Cortez (11 points). Ice Danting top-scored for UST with 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Nic Cabanero added 18. DLSU advances to face the Arellano Chiefs in the crossover quarterfinals, while UST will play against the EAC Generals.
Views 4430Likes 4411
Thunder must make no-brainer free agent signing if latest rumor is true
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite expectations of an inactive offseason, might reconsider their approach due to developments regarding veteran free agent Al Horford. Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens stated that Horford's return to Boston is unlikely. With Jayson Tatum injured and other key players lost due to salary cap constraints, Boston may no longer be the ideal situation for Horford to chase another championship. Should Horford seek a title-contending team for the 2025-26 season, the Thunder are presented as a strong potential destination. While Oklahoma City currently lacks an open roster spot, they could easily create one by trading Ousmane Dieng (a player deemed inconsistent and expendable as the team moves beyond developmental minutes) along with a second-round pick in a salary dump move. Financially, this move would leave the Thunder $7,689,022 under the luxury tax and $15,739,022 under the first apron. Although they could theoretically offer Horford the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) of $14.1 million, the team's priority is avoiding the luxury tax this season to delay the repeater tax. Therefore, a realistic offer would likely be a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. The analysis strongly advocates for the Thunder pursuing Horford if he agrees to such a contract. His skills are seen as a perfect fit to counter the increasing frontcourt size in the Western Conference. Horford brings valuable attributes: reliable three-point shooting (36.6% last season), smart passing, quality rim protection, defensive switchability, and the ability to play effectively alongside a traditional center like Chet Holmgren. Adding Horford would provide significant benefits: forming a versatile bench duo with Jaylin Williams, offering crucial insurance against injuries to big men Williams, Holmgren, or Isaiah Hartenstein, and bringing immense playoff experience (ranking him among the top 10 players in NBA history for playoff games played).
Views 5246Likes 5224
Thomas Bryant's Pacers fate now sealed following Indiana's latest moves
The Indiana Pacers are unlikely to re-sign center Thomas Bryant in free agency following several roster moves addressing their center position after Myles Turner's departure to the Milwaukee Bucks. The team acquired Jay Huff, re-signed James Wiseman, exercised their team option on Tony Bradley, and extended a qualifying offer to Isaiah Jackson, making him a restricted free agent. This influx of big men, particularly the addition of floor-spacer Huff, leaves little room for Bryant. While Bryant performed his role well after being traded to the Pacers last December and had a notable performance in the conference finals, he fell out of the playoff rotation and is not considered a long-term fit. The Pacers are expected to rely on multiple centers next season (Huff, Wiseman, Bradley, Jackson) to provide specific skills like floor spacing, size, rebounding, and energy, viewing it as a gap year to evaluate options. Replacing Turner, who offered unique rim protection and floor-stretching abilities, is acknowledged as a significant challenge for the Pacers. However, the current roster construction and the lack of a distinct role for Bryant strongly indicate he has likely played his last game for Indiana.
Views 5782Likes 5762
Indiana Pacers Announce Partnership With Longtime Colts' Sponsor
The Indiana Pacers are changing their jersey sponsor for the upcoming season. They are replacing Spokenote, which featured QR codes on the jerseys last season as part of the NBA's sponsorship program, with Lucas Oil. Lucas Oil is an Indianapolis-based automotive chemical company well-known locally, particularly for holding the naming rights to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. While the Pacers and Colts don't share ownership, Lucas Oil is expanding its presence in the city through this new partnership. The stadium, built in 2008, has a capacity of 67,000 and is considered state-of-the-art; Lucas Oil holds the naming rights but is not responsible for maintenance. Pacers CEO Mel Raines praised Lucas Oil as "a true Indiana success story" representing "performance, innovation, and community" in the team's official announcement. The organization expressed enthusiasm about elevating the partnership and featuring the Lucas Oil name on the front of their jerseys. The new sponsor patch is expected to be significantly more low-key than last season's QR code and should fit better aesthetically on the Pacers' jerseys, which is noted as an important factor for fans purchasing team merchandise.
Views 4881Likes 3885
Davante Adams Thinks LeBron James Would Have Been All-Time Great in NFL
The article explores the enduring debate among athletes about whether basketball players could succeed in football and vice versa, noting that many stars like LeBron James played both sports before specializing. It highlights LeBron James specifically due to his high school football background and ongoing passion for the NFL. The topic resurfaced when Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams appeared on The Dan Patrick Show. Adams asserted that LeBron James would have been "one of the best receivers, tight ends of all time" in football, praising his speed and ability to cover ground, comparing it to fast NBA players like John Wall or Derrick Rose. However, Adams expressed some doubt based on how LeBron sometimes reacts to contact on the basketball court, questioning if he could withstand NFL-level hits, though he speculated LeBron might sometimes exaggerate injuries strategically. The piece concludes by framing Adams's comments as a fun hypothetical about how one of basketball's greats might have performed in football.
Views 3865Likes 3846
San Jose Hells Angels leader’s killing: Key witness says he lied
The star witness whose testimony helped convict Ernesto Gonzalez for the 2011 killing of Hells Angels boss Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew has recanted, admitting he lied about the shooting being an assassination plot orchestrated by a rival motorcycle gang. Gonzalez received a life sentence for fatally shooting Pettigrew at a crowded Nevada casino, with the witness—Gary "Jabbers" Rudnick—having testified under a plea deal for leniency. Following Pettigrew's killing, another Hells Angel, Steve Tausan, was shot dead by colleague Steve Ruiz at Pettigrew's funeral. The dispute reportedly centered on whether Ruiz could have prevented Pettigrew's death during the casino altercation. Gonzalez maintains his innocence, claiming he fired in self-defense because Pettigrew and another associate were violently beating his partner. Legal experts note the recanted testimony complicates the case, highlighting concerns about witness reliability when testimony is exchanged for reduced sentences.
Views 4679Likes 595
Brian Windhorst Reveals Obvious Cavaliers, LeBron James Take
NBA insider Brian Windhorst has stated that a trade bringing LeBron James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason is nearly impossible due to significant financial hurdles. The Cavaliers cannot feasibly assemble a trade package to acquire James' substantial $52.6 million contract under the constraints of the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Acquiring James would require Cleveland to "sell the farm," which the organization is unlikely to do for a player who might only have one or two seasons remaining in his career. Windhorst did not completely rule out James returning to Cleveland someday, but emphasized that it would only be realistic if James became a free agent and was willing to take a drastic pay cut. When asked specifically if the Cavaliers would sign James at the veteran minimum salary (around $3 million), Windhorst jokingly confirmed they would, speaking on behalf of the organization's past and present leadership. While Windhorst's minimum salary comments were partly in jest, he acknowledged that any team, including Cleveland, would sign the future Hall-of-Famer if he were available at that price. However, barring that highly unlikely scenario of James becoming a free agent and accepting a minimum deal, he is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving Cavaliers fans to continue hoping for a reunion that isn't currently feasible.
Views 5482Likes 4074
Hot Match
